wings and things

The end of an era

by jmgoyder on January 18, 2015

Well today I said goodbye to the last of our geese, and the duck, Zaruma (pictured above). The first photos (below) are from 2011 when all except Godfrey were little. The latter photos show them all grown up. The reason? Too many casualties via foxes and the dogs who lately have been able to get out of their yard by hook or by crook and they attacked my beloved Zaruma the other day (that was my turning point).

So I was having to pen the birds 24/7 plus the dogs versus birds argument was becoming a regular source of conflict between Ming and me. So Ming advertised them on the internet and an animal loving couple came to pick them up at 1pm yesterday.

I was dreading it and didn’t even want to be here at the time but Ming was at work so I had to be. I didn’t want to see Woody, Seli, Ola, Diamond, Zaruma, and even grumpy old Godfrey, traumatised.

Well I needn’t have worried. Belinda and Tom arrived with a trailer and a few big cages, water containers, and when she saw my eyes fill, she gave me a big bear hug and told me to go inside while they caught “the gang”. So I did and wrote all their names on a piece of paper then made myself go back outside immediately to oversee things.

AMAZINGLY, Tom had simply gone up to Godfrey and picked him up, carried him to their station wagon and put him in a cage in the back without the slightest fuss from Godfrey! For those who don’t know, Godfrey is the gang boss and has been so protective of the others since they were little that he turned aggressive, and he BITES! But he didn’t even attempt to bite Tom.

Even though the rest are so tame I could easily have picked them up and put them in the other cage, I just couldn’t do it because I was so sad. So Belinda and Tom did it and talked softly to them to calm the more panicky ones (Woody – oh my poor heart!) and it only took around 10 minutes – smooth and gentle and I felt incredibly relieved!

Belinda and Tom live two hours away but they are better equipped, with huge yards for all of their poultry, big swimming ‘pools’ etc. so it’s wonderful to know they are going to a great place and will be there by now. We have exchanged email addresses so she can send me some reassuring photos, so I feel great about it all now.

But after they left, I cried like a baby. I will miss them and the amazing peace they brought me in the months before Anthony went into the nursing home.

What a sad day for you, Julie. I know it must have been really hard for you to give up your birds, but it’s better than worrying about them being killed. Now they’ll have a safer home. I know how easy it was for a raccoon or a mink to get into my chicken and duck pens when I had birds in my yard. You’ve done the right thing, even though it was probably very hard to see it through.

I can only imagine how sad you must have felt, Julie. They’ve been like family and have in some small way filled a gap when Anthony went to live in the nursing home. But the reality is that they’re better off in a more substantial secure yard, so try to think of their new home with gladness (not sadness). Vicki x

Even my heart is breaking as I have loved reading about them these past few years. I am sorry dear Julie, I know this had to hurt so bad, but I believe you did the right thing when they were difficult to keep safe. Love and hugs

Letting go – even when it’s for the best (and for their safety) is always so hard. And hopefully over time, when you think about them running safe (herded by Godfrey – who for some reason earned a place in my heart) and protected, you will smile.

I can imagine how your heart is breaking, Julie, but it sounds like they went to a *wonderful* new, and SAFE, home, and the fact that they were all able to go together is a double blessing. You did the most loving thing you could have. Just think of their happiness whenever you feel a twinge…

I can feel your pain Jules 😦 But you found them an incredible home, you continue being the great mother that you are, you found them a sanctuary where they can live safely. I am sure that you will be getting photos from time to time and that might help pick you up a bit. Hugs xoxox

and i’ve loved getting to know them a bit by reading your words. all life is a series of hellos and goodbyes and for everything there is a season, but it is the connections that are hard to leave behind at times.

I’m so sorry Julie. It’s never easy. I know you’ve loved your feathered family. What a message someone gave you when it was such a peaceful transition. I suspect you’ll hear from your new friends again, about your feathered family. Maybe a new blessing in your world????

I can’t imagine what a hard day that must have been for you. But bigger yards, bigger pools, and getting to all stay together as a gang sounds wonderful for your feathered friends. Glad you found a new and wonderful home for them.

Your post was very touching, Julie. Although there is a lot of sadness with this – I am going to try to bring a little smile to your face. Lots of times my puns aren silly, but I’ll try to “wing it” with puns that might actually make sense! I know that with the birds gone you’re thinking “waddle I do next?” But you’ve gotten your feet wet with the web. You’re not ducking anything because I know someday you are going to “rebilled” your life and feel joy again. I will hold your hand when you take flight!

It’s always sad to say goodbye to animals, whatever kind, we’ve become attached to. But it was for their own good…and you can always take walks to see wild birds, right? Happy you’re feeling better already.

So sorry to read about your ducks and geese needing other homes. My heart is sad for your loss, but so happy they have a great place to live and hopefully no worry about dogs and such attacking. Thanks for the visit to my blog, peace n abundance,
CheyAnne

Sending big hugs! So glad you were able to find them a good home! Your stories of their antics and your interaction with them became a beautiful escape through some tough times! I can’t tell you how much I needed their feathery life line! Thank you!

it was the right and loving thing for them, however, i am sorry for your loss. i can’t imagine if we had to let our cats go. when i was younger i had ducks and found them to be very loving and entertaining. sending love and hugs